- Kia introduces Diesel 6AT and Turbo Petrol 7DCT automatic options below ₹10 lakh in the Sonet MY26 lineup.
- The compact SUV expands its automatic portfolio while crossing 5 lakh cumulative sales in India.
The Kia India Sonet MY26 automatic variants mark a strategic expansion of the compact SUV’s transmission lineup, introducing Diesel 6-speed Automatic (6AT) and Turbo Petrol 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (7DCT) options priced below ₹10 lakh. With increasing demand for automatic vehicles in urban environments, the update aims to make advanced transmission technologies accessible to a wider customer base. The diesel 6AT variant starts at ₹9,77,900, while the turbo petrol 7DCT begins at ₹9,89,900, both ex-showroom. By bringing these options under a key price threshold, the company seeks to strengthen the Sonet’s competitiveness in India’s highly price-sensitive compact SUV segment.
Expanded Automatic Powertrain Options
The MY26 update introduces the 1.5-litre Diesel 6AT configuration across four trim levels: HTE(O), HTK(O), HTK+, and HTK+(O). At the same time, the 1.0-litre Turbo Petrol 7DCT transmission is now offered on the HTK(O) and HTK+(O) trims. This expansion broadens the automatic transmission portfolio for the Sonet, positioning it among the most extensive offerings within the compact SUV category. The move reflects the growing shift in consumer preferences toward convenience-oriented driving solutions, particularly in congested urban areas where automatic gearboxes improve driving comfort and ease of operation.
Automatic Technology Positioned for Urban Demand
The diesel automatic configuration targets buyers seeking a combination of fuel efficiency and seamless gear shifting without sacrificing affordability. Traditionally, diesel automatic powertrains have been positioned at higher price points in the segment, limiting accessibility for many customers. By introducing the technology below ₹10 lakh, the manufacturer is attempting to remove a major cost barrier. The turbo petrol dual-clutch transmission, meanwhile, provides faster gear changes and performance-focused driving characteristics, appealing to customers who want a more responsive automatic driving experience.
Variant Pricing and Trim Distribution
The updated Sonet MY26 lineup includes multiple automatic variants across different trims, enabling customers to select a configuration that aligns with both budget and feature preferences. The diesel automatic range spans four trims, while the turbo petrol DCT configuration is available in two trims. Pricing differences across the variants reflect equipment levels and transmission configurations offered within the compact SUV lineup.
| Powertrain | Trim Levels | Price Range (Ex-showroom) |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5L Diesel 6AT | HTE(O), HTK(O), HTK+, HTK+(O) | ₹9,77,900 – ₹11,56,900 |
| 1.0L Turbo Petrol 7DCT | HTK(O), HTK+(O) | ₹9,89,900 – ₹10,83,900 |
Product Updates and Market Presence
Alongside the powertrain additions, the MY26 model introduces a new exterior paint option called Magma Red, expanding the available colour choices for buyers. Since its launch in India in 2020, the Sonet has achieved more than 5 lakh cumulative sales, establishing itself as a significant player in the compact SUV category. The vehicle lineup currently includes multiple trims and five powertrain configurations. It also features 15 standard safety technologies, 10 Level 1 ADAS functions, and over 70 connected vehicle capabilities, reinforcing its positioning as a technology-rich offering in the segment.
The manufacturer continues to support the model with its production facility in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, which has an installed annual capacity of 300,000 units. The company’s nationwide sales and service presence includes 821 customer touchpoints across 369 cities, enabling the expanded automatic Sonet lineup to reach a broad consumer base across the Indian automotive market.
Click above to visit the official source.